CN107569254A - Ultrasonic signal processing unit, ultrasonic signal processing method and diagnostic ultrasound equipment - Google Patents

Ultrasonic signal processing unit, ultrasonic signal processing method and diagnostic ultrasound equipment Download PDF

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Publication number
CN107569254A
CN107569254A CN201710518717.9A CN201710518717A CN107569254A CN 107569254 A CN107569254 A CN 107569254A CN 201710518717 A CN201710518717 A CN 201710518717A CN 107569254 A CN107569254 A CN 107569254A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
observation station
object line
ultrasonic
sound ray
oscillator
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Granted
Application number
CN201710518717.9A
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Chinese (zh)
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CN107569254B (en
Inventor
津岛峰生
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Konica Minolta Inc
Konica Minolta Opto Inc
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Konica Minolta Opto Inc
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52023—Details of receivers
    • G01S7/52025—Details of receivers for pulse systems
    • G01S7/52026—Extracting wanted echo signals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52085—Details related to the ultrasound signal acquisition, e.g. scan sequences
    • G01S7/52087—Details related to the ultrasound signal acquisition, e.g. scan sequences using synchronization techniques
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/13—Tomography
    • A61B8/14—Echo-tomography
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4477—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device using several separate ultrasound transducers or probes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/52—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/5207—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves involving processing of raw data to produce diagnostic data, e.g. for generating an image
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
    • G01S15/8909—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration
    • G01S15/8915—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using a static transducer configuration using a transducer array
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S15/89—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G01S15/8906—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques
    • G01S15/8997—Short-range imaging systems; Acoustic microscope systems using pulse-echo techniques using synthetic aperture techniques
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • G10K11/34—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
    • G10K11/341—Circuits therefor
    • G10K11/346—Circuits therefor using phase variation

Abstract

The present invention relates to ultrasonic signal processing unit, ultrasonic signal processing method and diagnostic ultrasound equipment.Ultrasonic signal processing unit possesses：Sending part, the focus for the position that ultrasound beamformer assembled is provided for each transmission event modification, while the ultrasonic detector is sent ultrasound beamformer into subject for each transmission event；And phase modulation addition operation division, for each transmission event, on in multiple observation stations present on the object line-group being made up of more root object lines by focus, phase modulation add operation will be carried out to generate subframe sound ray signal based on the reception signal row from the reflectance ultrasound ripple obtained by each observation station, wherein, each object line is straight line, on an observation station in object line, the distance of an observation station and the immediate observation station being present on same target line is less than and the distance for the immediate observation station being present in adjacent object line.

Description

Ultrasonic signal processing unit, ultrasonic signal processing method and ultrasonic diagnosis Device
Technical field
This disclosure relates to ultrasonic signal processing unit and possess the ultrasonic diagnosis of the ultrasonic signal processing unit Reception beam forming processing method in device, more particularly to ultrasonic signal processing unit.
Background technology
Diagnostic ultrasound equipment sends ultrasound by ultrasonic detector (being set to " detector ") later to subject inside Ripple, receive acoustic impedance due to subject tissue difference and caused ultrasonic reflections ripple (echo).And then connect according to from this Electric signal obtained by receiving, generation represent the ultrasonic tomogram image of the construction of the interior tissue of subject and are shown in monitor (being set to " display part ") later on.Diagnostic ultrasound equipment lacks to the invasion of subject, can be in real time by faultage image Deng the state of observation in-vivo tissue, so being widely used in the morphological diagnosis of organism.
In existing diagnostic ultrasound equipment, the reception wave beam as the signal based on received reflectance ultrasound ripple Manufacturing process is general to use the method (such as non-patent literature 1) for being referred to as phase modulation add operation method.In the method, typically Beam forming is transmitted when sending ultrasonic wave to subject by multiple oscillators, to cause under some depth of subject Focus on ultrasound beamformer.In addition, as shown in Figure 14 (a), observation station is set on the central shaft for sending ultrasound beamformer.Cause This, in a ultrasonic wave transmission event, can only generate one on the central shaft for sending ultrasound beamformer or lack Several sound ray signals, the utilization ratio of ultrasonic wave are poor.In addition, in the case where observation station is in the position away near focal point, Also exist resulting sound ray signal spatial resolution and signal S/N than step-down the problem of.
In contrast, consider sending out by synthesizing opening method (Synthetic Aperture Method, synthetic aperture method) Send reception beam-forming method that the region beyond near focal point also obtains the image of the high high image quality of spatial resolution (such as non- Patent document 2).According to this method, by the propagation path using ultrasonic wave send wave and the reflection based on the propagation path The arrival time of wave direction oscillator, this two side carried out delay control, can also be reflected from positioned at except sending near focal point The reception beam forming of the reflectance ultrasound ripple of the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave in addition.As a result, it can be sent from a ultrasonic wave Event integrally generates sound ray signal for the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave.In addition, the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave refers in region A little from forming the consistent region of the phase of ultrasonic wave that each oscillator for sending oscillator row sends out.In addition, it is open in synthesis In method, by virtually focusing on transmission according to the multiple reception signals for same observation station obtained from multiple transmission events Alignment, the reception beam-forming method recorded compared to non-patent literature 1, can obtain spatial resolution and S/N than high Ultrasonography.
Prior art literature
Non-patent literature 1：Yi East Zhengan County, full moon Gang write altogether " Chao Yin Bo disconnected device " U ロ Na society publish, in August, 2002 (P42-P45) on the 26th
Non-patent literature 2：“Virtual ultrasound sources in high resolution ultrasound imaging”,S.I.Nikolov and J.A.Jensen,in Proc,SPIE–Progress in biomedical optics and imaging,vol.3,2002,P.395-405
The content of the invention
In opening method is synthesized, according to ultrasonic wave utilization ratio and the viewpoint of resolution ratio raising, preferably in a ultrasonic wave It is big that the area in the region (hereinafter referred to as " subject area ") of sound ray signal is generated in transmission event, more preferably by the main irradiation of ultrasonic wave Region whole region is as subject area.However, when the area of subject area becomes big, it is present in the number of its internal observation station Amount and the area of subject area proportionally increase, it is contemplated that the computing of the phase modulation add operation of the delay sent and received Amount increase.Therefore, when the area of the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave becomes big, in order to carry out at high speed at the computing of phase modulation add operation Reason is, it is necessary to the high hardware of calculation processing power, the problem of producing the cost increase of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.On the other hand, only When only reducing the width in direction that the oscillator of subject area is arranged to cut down its area, spatial resolution and S/N ratios sometimes Improve not enough.
The present invention is to complete in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a kind of transmission wave beam using convergence type Spatial resolution and S/N ratios can be suppressed in the synthesis opening method of shaping to be reduced and cuts down the operand of phase modulation add operation Ultrasonic signal processing unit and using the ultrasonic signal processing unit diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
The ultrasonic signal processing unit of the scheme of the present invention will use the ultrasonic detector for possessing multiple oscillators The transmission event of the ultrasound beamformer of convergence type is sent to subject repeatedly, and with each transmission event synchronization from tested Body receives reflectance ultrasound ripple, and the multiple sound ray signals generated according to the reflectance ultrasound ripple received are synthesized into conjunction Into sound ray signal, the ultrasonic signal processing unit is characterised by, possesses ultrasonic signal process circuit, the ultrasonic wave letter Number process circuit possesses：Sending part, the focus for the position that ultrasound beamformer assembled is provided for each transmission event modification, together When the ultrasonic detector is sent ultrasound beamformer into subject for each transmission event；Acceptance division, with each transmission Event synchronization, the reflectance ultrasound ripple received according to the ultrasonic detector from the subject, generation is for described super The reception signal row of each oscillator of acoustic detector；Phase modulation addition operation division, for each transmission event, on existing Multiple observation stations on the object line-group being made up of more root object lines by the focus, to based on from obtained by each observation station To the reception signal row of reflectance ultrasound ripple carry out phase modulation add operation and generate subframe sound ray signal；And combining unit, The multiple subframe sound ray signal generated according to the phase modulation addition operation division, synthesizes the frame sound ray signal, described Each object line included in object line-group is straight line, is pre- spacing on the distance on a root object line and from the focus The distance of an observation station from more than, an observation station and the immediate observation station being present on the root object line Less than with being present in the distance with the immediate observation station in the object line of root object line adjoining.
According to the ultrasonic signal processing unit of the scheme of the present invention and use the ultrasonic signal processing unit Diagnostic ultrasound equipment, the spatial resolution and S/N ratios that can check frame sound ray signal reduce and cut down observation station Quantity, the operand of the phase modulation add operation using the delay sent and received can be cut down.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 is the functional block diagram of the structure for the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 for representing embodiment.
Fig. 2 is that the utilization for representing embodiment sends the propagation road of the ultrasonic wave send wave of the shaping of beam-shaper portion 103 The schematic diagram in footpath.
Fig. 3 is the functional block diagram for the structure for receiving beam-shaper portion 104 for representing embodiment.
Fig. 4 is the functional block diagram of the structure for the phase modulation addition operation division 1041 for representing embodiment.
Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram for the object line-group Bx for representing embodiment.
Fig. 6 is the receiving opening Rx set by receiving opening configuration part 1043 and transmission opening Tx for representing embodiment Relation schematic diagram.
Fig. 7 is the ultrasonic wave for reaching pick-up dipole Rk via observation station Pij from transmission opening Tx for representing embodiment The schematic diagram of propagation path.
Fig. 8 is the functional block diagram of the structure for the combining unit 1140 for representing embodiment.
Fig. 9 is the place synthesized to synthesis sound ray signal in the add operation processing unit 11401 for represent embodiment The schematic diagram of reason.
Figure 10 is in maximum superposition number and enlargement processing section 11402 in the synthesis sound ray signal for represent embodiment The schematic diagram of the summary of enhanced processing.
Figure 11 is the flow chart for the beam forming processing for receiving beam-shaper portion 104 action for representing embodiment.
Figure 12 is that the sound ray signal on observation station Pij received in beam-shaper portion 104 for representing embodiment is given birth to Into the flow chart of action.
Figure 13 is for illustrating that the sound ray on observation station Pij received in beam-shaper portion 104 of embodiment is believed The schematic diagram of number generation action.
Figure 14 (a)~(c) is the schematic diagram of the shape for the subject area for representing comparative example 1~3.
Figure 15 (a)~(d) is the ultrasonography obtained by the reception beam forming of embodiment and comparative example 1~3.
Figure 16 (a)~(d) is direct of travel and the observation for representing embodiment and the ultrasound beamformer in comparative example 1~3 The schematic diagram of the relation of point.
Figure 17 is the receiving opening Rx set by Tx receiving openings configuration part and transmission opening Tx for representing variation 1 The schematic diagram of relation.
Figure 18 is the beam forming processing for the receiving beam-shaper portion action for the diagnostic ultrasound equipment for representing variation 1 Flow chart.
Figure 19 is for illustrating that the sound ray signal on observation station Pij received in beam-shaper portion of variation 1 is given birth to Into the schematic diagram of action.
Figure 20 is the schematic diagram of other for the object line-group Bx for representing embodiment.
(symbol description)
1000：Ultrasonic diagnostic system；100：Diagnostic ultrasound equipment；101：Detector；101a：Oscillator；102：Multichannel Multiplexer portion；103：Send beam-shaper portion；1031：Sending part；104、104A：Receive beam-shaper portion；1040：Receive Portion；1041、1041A：Phase modulation addition operation division；1042、1042A：Object line-group configuration part；1043、1043A：Receiving opening is set Determine portion；1044：Send time calculating part；1045：Receive time calculating part；1046：Retardation calculating part；1047：Delay disposal Portion；1048：Weight calculation unit；1049：Addition operation division；1140、1140A：Combining unit；11401、11401A：At add operation Reason portion；11402、11402A：Enlargement processing section；11403A：Joint portion；105：Ultrasonography generating unit；106：Display part； 107：Data saving part；108：Control unit；150：Ultrasonic signal processing unit.
Embodiment
《Reach the process of the mode for carrying out an invention》
Inventor in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment using synthesis opening method in order to check the spatial resolution of sound ray signal And S/N ratios (hereinafter referred to as " quality of sound ray signal ") reduce and cut down operand, have carried out various researchs.
Typically in the transmission beam forming of convergence type, to make under some depth (hereinafter referred to as " depth of focus ") of subject Wavefront is assembled to cause ultrasound beamformer to focus on.Therefore, by the transmission (transmission event) of a ultrasonic wave, sent out from ultrasonic wave The middle multiple oscillators (being set to below " sending oscillator row ") used are sent mainly to irradiate ultrasonic wave to the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave.Sending out Send focus be a little in the case of, the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave is will send oscillator row as base and with from the both ends on base The region for the hourglass clock shape that each end is surrounded by sending two straight lines of focus, wavefront are centered on sending focus Arc-shaped.Necessarily focused on one point in addition, being not limited to ultrasound beamformer, for example, also have only converge to with 1.5 oscillators to several The situation in the region that the degree that individual oscillator is measured accordingly focuses on, but in this case, the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave is until depth of focus is Only arrange to width become narrow, under depth of focus for focal zone row to width, the region deeper than depth of focus turns into row again To the shape to broaden.In addition, in this case, for purposes of illustration only, the central point of the focal zone under depth of focus is defined as " burnt Point ".That is, regardless of whether being a point focusing, the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave is all following shape：Converged under depth of focus focus or Near it, under the depth beyond it, the deep distance of defocus is more remote, arranges wider to the width of (orientation of element).
In opening method is synthesized, the whole region of the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave can be set and seen in once transmission event Measuring point, it is advantageous to using the main irradiation area whole region of ultrasonic wave as subject area.Because it can not will send event at one The region (hereinafter referred to as " having region in mind ") of middle generation ultrasonography is integrally used as subject area, so surpassing to generate a frame Audiograph picture, carry out the different multiple transmission events of subject area.Therefore, according to the viewpoint of the utilization ratio of ultrasonic wave, one Subject area in transmission event preferably increases the area in the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave.In addition, in general, in order to improve sky Between resolution ratio, signal S/N ratios, preferably it is continuous two transmission event subject areas repetition area it is big.
However, the quantity of the observation station included in subject area is proportional to the area of subject area, so in order to protect Deposit phase modulation add operation operand and phase modulation add operation after sound ray signal needed for amount of storage certainty and subject area Area it is proportional.Therefore, the area increase of subject area directly results in the amount of storage increase of diagnostic ultrasound equipment needs.Separately Outside, diagnostic ultrasound equipment operational capability with respect to phase modulation add operation operand deficiency when, can not exceed and computing energy The frame rate that power matches, it is possible that the temporal resolution caused by causing the frame rate of ultrasonography to reduce reduces, availability Reduce.Therefore, reduced to suppress temporal resolution, availability reduces, it is desirable to be able to carry out phase modulation add operation at high speed The high processor of the disposal ability of computing, such as high performance GPU, cause the cost of diagnostic ultrasound equipment to increase.
In order to cut down operand, consider to cut down the quantity of the observation station included in subject area.As reduction observation station Quantity method, consider to reduce the method for the area of subject area and make what the density of observation station in subject area reduced Method.However, when making the subject area diminish and (narrow) in the depth direction, region and the subject area of ultrasonography can be generated Area proportionally diminish, when in addition reducing in the depth direction density of observation point, the spatial discrimination as depth direction The range resolution ratio of rate proportionally reduces with density of observation point.Therefore, inventor gropes the quality reduction for checking sound ray signal And the method that the quantity of observation station is cut down on the direction that oscillator is arranged, is conceived as follows：Setting by by focus or Thus the object line-group that more root object lines of the person near it are formed makes the observation of direction intersected with object line as subject area The density of point reduces.Thus, the quantity of observation station can on the one hand be cut down, on the other hand the quantity of observation station in the depth direction All do not reduced with density, so the formation range of range resolution ratio, ultrasonography does not also reduce.And then compared to detecting The situation of the width of subject area is reduced on the direction that the oscillator of device is arranged, pair of continuous two transmissions event can be checked The resolution ratio and S/N of the depth direction of sound ray signal as caused by diminishing the repetition area in region are than reducing.The reason for this is that In the object line-group that continuous two send event, although the quantity itself of the observation station repeated is reduced, an observation station Change with focus F and the position relationship of receiving opening does not diminish.
Hereinafter, using accompanying drawing, the ultrasonic image processing method of embodiment is described in detail and using the super of this method Sound wave diagnostic device.
《Embodiment》
<Overall structure>
Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 of embodiment is illustrated.
Fig. 1 is the functional block diagram of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1000 of embodiment.As shown in figure 1, ultrasonic diagnostic system 1000 include：Detector 101, have to subject transmission ultrasonic wave and receive multiple oscillator 101a of its back wave；Ultrasonic wave Diagnostic device 100, detector 101 is carried out the transmission of ultrasonic wave and receive, generated according to the output signal from detector 101 super Audiograph picture；And display part 106, ultrasonography is shown on picture.Detector 101, display part 106 are respectively structured as It can be connected respectively with diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100.Fig. 1 represents to connect diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 detector 101, display The state in portion 106.In addition, detector 101 and display part 106 can also be in the inside of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100.
<The structure of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100>
Diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 has：Multiplexer portion 102, multiple oscillator 101a of detector 101 are selected respectively In the oscillator used in transmission or reception, it is ensured that for it is selected go out oscillator input and output；Send beam forming Device portion 103, in order to carry out the transmission of ultrasonic wave, control applies high-tension timing for each oscillator 101a of detector 101；With And beam-shaper portion 104 is received, according to the back wave of the ultrasonic wave received by detector 101, to by multiple oscillator 101a Resulting electric signal is amplified and carries out A/D conversion, carries out receiving beam forming to generate sound ray signal.It is also equipped with：It is super Sound wave image production part 105, according to from the output signal for receiving beam-shaper portion 104, generate ultrasonography (B-mode Image)；Data saving part 107, preserve the sound ray signal and ultrasonography generating unit for receiving the output of beam-shaper portion 104 The ultrasonography of 105 outputs；And control unit 108, control each inscape.
Wherein, multiplexer portion 102, transmission beam-shaper portion 103, reception beam-shaper portion 104, ultrasonogram As generating unit 105 forms the ultrasonic signal processing unit 150 as ultrasonic signal process circuit.
Form each key element such as multiplexer portion 102 of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100, send beam-shaper portion 103, Beam-shaper portion 104, ultrasonography generating unit 105, control unit 108 are received respectively for example, by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array, field programmable gate array), ASIC (Aplication Specific Ingegrated Circuit, application specific integrated circuit) etc. hardware circuit realize.Or can also be configured to by programmable devices such as processors and Software is realized.As processor, CPU (Central Processing Unit, CPU), GPGPU can be used, It is referred to as GPGPU (General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing using GPU structure Unit, general-purpose computations graphics processor).These inscapes can either be a circuit block, also can be multiple circuit portions The aggregate of part.In addition, it is a circuit block that can either combine multiple inscapes, also can be the collection of multiple circuit blocks It is fit.
Data saving part 107 is computer-readable recording medium, can use for example floppy disk, hard disk, MO, DVD, DVD-RAM, BD, semiconductor memory etc..In addition, data saving part 107 can also be from outside with diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 The storage device of connection.
In addition, the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 of present embodiment is not limited to the ultrasonic diagnosis dress of the structure shown in Fig. 1 Put.For example, it is also possible to without multiplexer portion 102, but send beam-shaper portion 103 and receive beam-shaper portion 104 are directly connected with each oscillator 101a of detector 101.Alternatively, it is also possible to be configured to be built-in with send wave in detector 101 Beam shaper portion 103, receive beam-shaper portion 104 or one part etc..This ultrasonic wave for being not limited to present embodiment is examined Break device 100, in the other embodiment being explained below, the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of variation and equally.
<The structure of the major part of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100>
The diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 of embodiment 1 is characterised by having：Send beam-shaper portion 103 so that Ultrasonic wave transmission is carried out from each oscillator 101a of detector 101；Beam-shaper portion 104 is received, computing is from detector 101 Electric signal obtained by the reception of ultrasonic reflections ripple, to generate the sound ray signal for generating ultrasonography.Therefore, at this In specification, main explanation sends beam-shaper portion 103 and receives the structure and function in beam-shaper portion 104.This Outside, on the structure in addition to sending beam-shaper portion 103 and receiving beam-shaper portion 104, can apply with The structure identical structure used in known diagnostic ultrasound equipment, the beam-shaper portion of present embodiment can be replaced Beam-shaper portion for known diagnostic ultrasound equipment simultaneously uses.
Hereinafter, illustrate to send beam-shaper portion 103 and receive the structure in beam-shaper portion 104.
1. send beam-shaper portion 103
Send beam-shaper portion 103 to be connected with detector 101 via multiplexer portion 102, in order to from detector 101 The transmission of ultrasonic wave is carried out, controls each oscillator for being directed to the multiple oscillators included in transmission opening Tx to apply high-tension fixed When, the transmission opening Tx is by all or part oscillator equivalent to oscillator 101a multiple present in detector 101 Oscillator row are sent to form.Beam-shaper portion 103 is sent to be made up of sending part 1031.
Sending part 1031 carries out the hair of the transmission signal according to the transmission control signal supply pulse type from control unit 108 Processing is sent, the transmission signal is used to make to include in multiple oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101, transmission opening Tx Each oscillator send ultrasound beamformer.Specifically, sending part 1031 for example possess clock generating circuit, pulse generating circuit, Delay circuit.Clock generating circuit is the circuit for occurring to determine the clock signal of the transmission timing of ultrasound beamformer.Pulse generation Circuit is the circuit for the pulse signal for driving each oscillator to occur.Delay circuit is for each oscillator to ultrasonic wave ripple The transmission timing setting time delay of beam simultaneously makes the transmission of ultrasound beamformer postpone amount corresponding with time delay to carry out ultrasound The circuit that ripple wave beam focuses on.
Sending part 1031 is sent for each ultrasonic wave makes transmission opening Tx move and be repeated successively upwards in row Ultrasonic wave is sent, and ultrasonic wave transmission is carried out from all oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101.That is, in present embodiment In, sent for each ultrasonic wave, send opening Tx gradually mobile amounts corresponding with an oscillator.It will represent sending the Tx that is open In the information of the position of oscillator that includes be output to data saving part 107 via control unit 108.For example, will be in detector 101 In the presence of whole oscillator 101a quantity when being set to 192, can both select such as 20~100 as forming and send opening Tx Oscillator row quantity, the structure that mobile amount corresponding with an oscillator is sent for each ultrasonic wave can also be made.After, It is referred to as " transmission event " by being sent by sending part 1031 from the same ultrasonic wave for sending opening Tx progress.
Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram for representing the propagation path using the ultrasonic wave send wave for sending the shaping of beam-shaper portion 103. In some transmission event, the oscillator 101a arranged while the array-like made contributions is sent to ultrasonic wave row (are sent into oscillator Row) it is illustrated as sending opening Tx.In addition, the row length for sending the Tx that is open is referred to as sending opening length.
In beam-shaper portion 103 is sent, the transmission timing control of each oscillator is located transmission opening Tx for oscillator Center then transmission timing is more postponed.Thus, turn into from the transmitted ultrasonic wave send wave of the oscillator row sent in opening Tx Following state：There is wavefront on one point, i.e. sending focus F under some depth (Focal depth, the depth of focus) of subject (convergence) is met under (Focal point, focus).The depth (Focal depth) (being set to below " depth of focus ") for sending focus F can Arbitrarily set.Send focus F place focusing wavefront spread again, ultrasonic wave send wave using send be open Tx the bottom of as and with Send in the space for the hourglass clock-type marked off with two straight lines intersected that focus F is node and propagate.That is, opening is being sent At Tx radiate ultrasonic wave be gradually reduced its width (X direction in figure) spatially, send focus F at its width most It is small, with advancing to than its deeper part (figure middle and upper part), increase its width again and spread, propagate.The hourglass clock The region of type is the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave.In addition, as described above, ultrasonic wave send wave can also be sent, to cause ultrasound The main irradiation area Ax of ripple is converged near the transmission focus F of a bit.
2. receive the structure in beam-shaper portion 104
Beam-shaper portion 104 is received according to the back wave as the ultrasonic wave received by detector 101, according to by multiple Electric signal obtained by oscillator 101a generates sound ray signal.In addition, " sound ray signal " refers to, adjusted for some observation station Signal after additive process calculation process.Phase modulation add operation processing is described below.Fig. 3 is to represent to receive beam-shaper portion The functional block diagram of 104 structure.As shown in figure 3, receiving beam-shaper portion 104 possesses acceptance division 1040, phase modulation add operation Portion 1041, combining unit 1140.
Hereinafter, the structure for forming each several part for receiving beam-shaper portion 104 is illustrated.
(1) acceptance division 1040
Acceptance division 1040 is following circuit：It is connected via multiplexer portion 102 with detector 101, it is same with sending event Step ground generation reception signal (RF signals), the reception signal are to obtained by the reception from the ultrasonic reflections ripple in detector 101 To electric signal be amplified after carry out AD conversion obtained from signal.According to the order temporally series generation of the event of transmission Reception signal is simultaneously output to data saving part 107, and reception signal is preserved in data saving part 107.
Here, reception signal (RF signals) refers to from as obtained from the reflectance ultrasound wave conversion received by each oscillator Data signal obtained from electric signal carries out A/D conversion, is formd in the sending direction as the ultrasonic wave received by each oscillator The row of continuous signal on (depth direction of subject).
In transmission event, as described above, sending part 1031 makes in multiple oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101 , send each oscillator of multiple oscillators included in opening Tx and send ultrasound beamformer.In contrast, acceptance division 1040 and hair With sending event synchronization according to some or all oscillators equivalent to multiple oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101 Each oscillator obtained by reflectance ultrasound ripple, generation for each oscillator reception signal row.Here, reflectance ultrasound will be received The oscillator of ripple is referred to as " by ripple oscillator ".Quantity by ripple oscillator is more preferably than in the quantity for sending the oscillator included in Tx that is open. In addition, the quantity for the whole oscillator 101a that can also be set to by the quantity of ripple oscillator in the presence of detector 101.
Sending part 1031 is with making transmission opening Tx move and be repeated super successively upwards in row with sending event synchronization Sound wave is sent, and ultrasonic wave transmission is integrally carried out from multiple oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101.Acceptance division 1040 and hair Generate with sending event synchronization and arranged for the reception signal respectively by ripple oscillator, the reception signal that is generated is saved in into data preserves Portion 107.
(2) phase modulation addition operation division 1041
Phase modulation addition operation division 1041 carries out the life of subframe sound ray signal with being set in sending event synchronization in subject Into object line-group Bx.Next, on each observation station in existing multiple observation station Pij on object line-group Bx, Phase modulation add operation is carried out from the reception signal row received by observation station to each pick-up dipole Rk.In addition, phase modulation add operation Portion 1041 is to generate the circuit of subframe sound ray signal by calculating the row of the sound ray signal at each observation station.Fig. 4 is to represent to adjust The functional block diagram of the structure of additive process operational part 1041.As shown in figure 4, phase modulation addition operation division 1041 possesses the setting of object line-group Portion 1042, receiving opening configuration part 1043, send time calculating part 1044, receive time calculating part 1045, retardation calculating part 1046th, delay disposal portion 1047, weight calculation unit 1048 and addition operation division 1049.
Hereinafter, the structure for forming each several part of phase modulation addition operation division 1041 is illustrated.
I) object line-group configuration part 1042
Object line-group configuration part 1042 is set in the object line-group Bx for the generation that subframe sound ray signal is carried out in subject. " object line-group " refers to and the area on the signal for the generation that subframe sound ray signal is carried out in subject with sending event synchronization Domain, sound ray signal is generated on the observation station Pij on object line-group Bx.For the ease of calculating, with once transmission event synchronization Object line-group Bx is set as carrying out to the set of the object of observation point of the generation of sound ray signal.
Here, " subframe sound ray signal " refers to, from being directed to present on object line-group Bx for once transmission event generation The set of all observation station Pij sound ray signal.In addition, " subframe " refers to, obtained in once transmission event and formed with Collect the unit of the signal corresponding to all observation station Pij present on object line-group Bx.Synthesis obtains time different more Result is as frame obtained from individual subframe.
Object line-group configuration part 1042 and the expression that basis obtains from transmission beam-shaper portion 103 with sending event synchronization The information for sending opening Tx position sets object line-group Bx.
Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram for representing object line-group Bx.As shown in figure 5, object line-group Bx is present in the main irradiated region of ultrasonic wave In the Ax of domain, it is made up of more root object line BL1~BL7.Each object line is by focus F or the straight line near it.In addition, object Line BL1 and BL7 are corresponding to the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave profile respectively, and object line BL4, which is present in, sends opening center On axle Txo.In addition, for convenience, the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave profile be set to one end by sending opening Tx and Focus F straight line and the other end and focus F straight line this both threads by sending the Tx that is open.In addition, in each object line Angle formed by adjacent object line is roughly equal in BL1~BL7.That is, in observation station present on the circular arc centered on focus F Equally spaced arrange.In addition, in addition to Pij and focus F distance is less than the situation of preset distance, adjacent object line BL2, The distance between respective observation station Pij and P (i+1) j on BL3 di is less than the observation station of the adjoining on same target line BL2 The distance between Pij and Pi (j+1) dj.In addition, distance di is at least twice of distance dj, is preferably more than four times, more preferably More than octuple.Thus, by the depth direction by high density, in the direction that the oscillator arranges (circumference centered on focus F Direction) on be low-density mode, equably configure observation station in the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave substantially whole region. This, preset distance represents that the distance of the point in object line and the point in the object line of adjoining is less than along the observation station of object line The scope at interval.For example, in the case of being set to θ at angle formed by the object line that will abut against, predetermined distance d p meets following formula.
Di=2dpsin (θ/2)
In addition, object line-group Bx shape is not limited to the above situation, for example, it is also possible to make in each object line BL1~BL7 In with sending the distance of position that oscillator row connect as at equal intervals.In addition, object line-group Bx is made up of seven root object lines, but this is One example, as long as in the range of the quantity of object line more than three, then can arbitrarily it set.
In addition, each observation station Pij is set to be present on object line-group Bx, but for example can also by a part for observation station or Person is all set in the position close to object line.For example, the direction (x directions) arranged with oscillator and depth direction (y directions) Observation station Pij is represented, can make and be present in using the center of each oscillator as on the grid point of the orthogonal coordinates of grid point.It is former Because by making so, x coordinate identical oscillator is certainly existed for each observation station Pij, so sound ray signal can be improved Quality.In this case, object line is not necessarily parallel with y directions, so wanting to set up the opening position of observation station sometimes Object line does not pass through grid point.In this case, observation station is not placed at the surface of object line, and is disposed on connecing On the grid point of nearly object line.For example, the coordinate on the observation station in object line to be arranged at, by predetermined digit The rounding treatment such as round up carrys out the actual coordinate of regulation observation station.Specifically, observation station is determined as described below. On the direction that oscillator is arranged (x directions), the quantity of the oscillator of detector is set to 192, one that the oscillator of detector is arranged The position of the oscillator at end is set to x=0, and the position of the oscillator of the other end is set into x=191.In the depth direction, by oscillator row Position is set to y=0, and the point of the depth with the corresponding amount of an oscillator with detector is set into y=1.If by focus F's Coordinate is set to (64,1000), is set by the object line of coordinate (31,0), then represents object line with following formula.
Y=(1000/33) (x-31)
Now, for example, when wanting to set observation station in y=1500 depth, it is (80.5,1500).In the situation Under, observation station can also be set to (81,1500).Thereby, it is possible in phase modulation add operation using x=81 oscillator as base It is accurate, it is possible to increase the quality of sound ray signal.In addition, actually the position of observation station is set to be not limited to the above situation, on to set The observation station on object line-group Bx is put, as long as the seat target value computationally sight of the preferable points of proximity as reality will be rounded Measuring point, then can arbitrarily it carry out.
The object line-group Bx of setting is output to and sends time calculating part 1044, receive time calculating part 1045, at delay Reason portion 1047.
Ii) receiving opening configuration part 1043
Receiving opening configuration part 1043 is following circuit：According to the control signal from control unit 108 and from send wave The expression in beam shaper portion 103 sends the information of opening Tx position, and will be equivalent in the presence of detector 101 multiple shakes Son a part and arrange center with send be open Tx in include oscillator row row center match oscillator row (pick-up dipole Row) select to be pick-up dipole to set receiving opening Rx.
Receiving opening configuration part 1043 selects receiving opening Rx oscillators row, to cause row center to be seen with spatially closest Measuring point Pij oscillator Xk matchings.Fig. 6 is receiving opening Rx and the transmission opening for representing to set by receiving opening configuration part 1043 The schematic diagram of Tx relation.As shown in fig. 6, selection receiving opening Rx oscillator row, to cause in the row of receiving opening Rx oscillators row The heart matches with the oscillator Xk spatially closest to observation station Pij.Therefore, receiving opening Rx position is according to observation station Pij's Position determines, is not changed according to the position with the transmission opening Tx changed with sending event synchronization.That is, even different hair Event is sent, in processing of the generation on the sound ray signal of the observation station Pij in same position, is opened according to by same reception The reception signal acquired by pick-up dipole Rk in mouthful Rx carries out phase modulation add operation.
In addition, in order to receive from the overall back wave of the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave, what is included in receiving opening Rx shakes It is more than the quantity of the oscillator included in the transmission opening Tx that the quantity of son is preferably set in corresponding transmission event.Composition connects Receiving the quantity of opening Rx oscillator row can also be set to such as 32,64,96,128,192.
With sending event accordingly, the setting of the receiving opening Rx with sending event same number is at least carried out.In addition, connect The setting for receiving opening Rx had both been configured to progressively carrying out or can also be configured in all transmissions with sending event synchronization Event terminate after by each transmission event corresponding to receiving opening Rx setting concentrate carry out with transmission event number it is corresponding Amount.
The information for the position for representing selected receiving opening Rx is output to data saving part 107 via control unit 108.
Data saving part 107 will represent that the information of receiving opening Rx position and reception signal corresponding with pick-up dipole are defeated Go out to transmission time calculating part 1044, receive time calculating part 1045, delay disposal portion 1047, weight calculation unit 1048.
Iii time calculating part 1044) is sent
It is to calculate the transmission time that transmitted ultrasonic wave reaches the observation station P in subject to send time calculating part 1044 Circuit.With sending event accordingly, shaken according to what is included from the expression acquired by data saving part 107 in opening Tx is sent The information of the position of son and the object for including the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave from the expression acquired by object line-group configuration part 1042 The information of line-group Bx position, in arbitrary observation station Pij present on object line-group Bx, calculating transmitted ultrasonic wave Reach the transmission time of the observation station Pij in subject.
Fig. 7 is for illustrating from transmission opening Tx radiation and in the observation station of the arbitrary position on object line-group Bx Reflected at Pij and reach the schematic diagram of the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave of the pick-up dipole Rk in receiving opening Rx.In addition, figure 7 (a) represents that observation station Pij depth is situation more than depth of focus, and Fig. 7 (b) represents the observation station Pij situations more shallow than depth of focus.
Spread again from the send wave passage path 401 that transmission opening Tx is radiated sending wavefront convergence at focus F. Observation station Pij is reached in the way that send wave is assembled or is spread, if acoustic impedance changes at observation station Pij, is given birth to Into back wave, pick-up dipole Rk that the back wave is returned in the receiving opening Rx in detector 101.Focus F is sent to be prescribed To send the design load in beam-shaper portion 103, so focus F and arbitrary observation station can be sent geometrically calculating The length in the path 402 between Pij.
Hereinafter, the computational methods for sending the time are described in more detail.
First, using Fig. 7 (a), the depth for illustrating observation station Pij is situation more than depth of focus.In observation station Pij depth Be it is more than depth of focus in the case of, reaches transmission focus F simultaneously as from sending the send wave passage paths 401 that are radiated of opening Tx Calculated from sending focus F passage paths 402 and reaching observation station Pij situation.Therefore, by send wave passage path 401 The value that time is added to obtain with the time of passage path 402 is the transmission time.As specific computational methods, for example, pass through by The biography of whole path length divided by the ultrasonic wave in subject obtained from being added to the length in path 401 with the length in path 402 Defeated speed is obtained.
On the other hand, using Fig. 7 (b), the observation station Pij situations more shallow than depth of focus is illustrated.It is more shallow than depth of focus in observation station Pij In the case of, reach at the time of sending focus F and pass through as the send wave passage path 401 radiated from transmission opening Tx Path 404 and reach and reach identical feelings at the time of sending focus F after observation station Pij from observation station Pij passage paths 402 Condition calculates.That is, when value obtained from the time for passage path 402 being subtracted from the time of send wave passage path 401 is sends Between.As specific computational methods, for example, as by path obtained from the length that path 402 is subtracted from the length in path 401 Long difference divided by the transmission speed of the ultrasonic wave in subject are obtained.
In addition, be the transmission time of the situation of depth of focus on observation station Pij, use and feelings that observation station Pij is deeper than depth of focus Condition identical computational methods, the calculating side for being added the time of send wave passage path 401 with the time of passage path 402 Method.It is also possible, however, to use the situation identical computational methods more shallow than depth of focus with observation station Pij, i.e. from send wave passage path 401 time subtracts the computational methods of the time of passage path 402.The reason for this is that the length in path 402 be 0, no matter so with Which kind of method calculates the time consistency all with passage path 401.
Time calculating part 1044 is sent for once sending event, on all observation station Pij on object line-group Bx, meter Calculate the transmission time of the observation station Pij in transmitted ultrasonic wave arrival subject and be output to retardation calculating part 1046.
Iv time calculating part 1045) is received
It is to calculate the back wave from observation station P to reach connecing of including in receiving opening Rx to receive time calculating part 1045 Receive the circuit of the reception time of each oscillator in oscillator Rk.Accordingly taken with transmission event according to from data saving part 107 What is obtained represents the information of pick-up dipole Rk position and represents object line-group Bx's from acquired by object line-group configuration part 1042 The information of position, in arbitrary observation station Pij present on object line-group Bx, calculating transmitted ultrasonic wave in subject In observation station Pij at reflect and reach the receiving opening Rx each pick-up dipole Rk reception time.
As described above, the generation if acoustic impedance changes at observation station Pij of arrival observation station Pij send wave is anti- Ejected wave, each pick-up dipole Rk that the back wave is returned in the receiving opening Rx in detector 101.Taken from data saving part 107 The positional information of each pick-up dipole Rk in receiving opening Rx is obtained, so can geometrically calculate from arbitrary observation station Pij to each pick-up dipole Rk path 403 length.
Time calculating part 1045 is received for once sending event, in all observation stations present on object line-group Bx Pij, calculate transmitted ultrasonic wave and reflected at observation station Pij and reach each pick-up dipole Rk reception time and be output to and prolong Amount calculating part 1046 late.
V) retardation calculating part 1046
Retardation calculating part 1046 is to calculate each reception into receiving opening Rx according to transmission time and reception time and shake In sub- Ri total propagation time, prolonging for the row applied to the reception signal for each pick-up dipole Rk is calculated according to total propagation time The circuit measured late.Retardation calculating part 1046 obtains from the ultrasonic wave sent transmitted by time calculating part 1044 and reaches observation station The Pij transmission time and at observation station Pij reflect and reach each pick-up dipole Rk reception time.In addition, calculate until institute The ultrasonic wave of transmission reaches total propagation time untill each pick-up dipole Rk, according to total propagation time for each pick-up dipole Rk Difference, calculate for each pick-up dipole Rk retardation.Retardation calculating part 1046 is on present on object line-group Bx All observation station Pij, calculate the retardation for the row for being applied to the reception signal for each pick-up dipole Ri and be output at delay Reason portion 1047.
Vi) delay disposal portion 1047
Delay disposal portion 1047 is will be with pin according to the row of the reception signal for the pick-up dipole Rk in receiving opening Rx The reception signal suitable to each pick-up dipole Rk retardation regard as based on the reflectance ultrasound ripple from observation station Pij with it is each The circuit of reception signal corresponding to pick-up dipole Rk.
Delay disposal portion 1047, as input, expression is obtained from receiving opening configuration part 1043 with sending event accordingly The information of pick-up dipole Rk position, reception signal corresponding with pick-up dipole Rk is obtained from data saving part 107, from object line Group configuration part 1042 obtains the information of the position for the object line-group Bx for representing acquired, and application is obtained from retardation calculating part 1046 In the retardation of the row of the reception signal for each pick-up dipole Rk.In addition, believed according to receive corresponding with each pick-up dipole Rk Number row, by with subtract be directed to each pick-up dipole Rk retardation obtained from time corresponding reception signal regard as based on coming From the reception signal of observation station Pij back wave and it is output to addition operation division 1049.
Vii) weight calculation unit 1048
Weight calculation unit 1048 is to calculate the weight series (reception apodization) for each pick-up dipole Rk, to be directed to position In receiving opening Rx row to the weight of oscillator at center be maximum circuit.
As shown in fig. 6, weight series is the weight applied to reception signal corresponding with each oscillator in receiving opening Rx The series of coefficient.Weight series is centered on sending focus F in symmetrical distribution.The shape of the distribution of weight series can use Hamming window, Hanning window, rectangular window etc., the shape of distribution are not particularly limited.Weight series is set to for being opened positioned at reception Mouthful Rx row to center oscillator weight it is maximum, the central shaft of the distribution of weight is consistent with receiving opening central shaft Rxo.Power Re-computation portion 1048 is using the information of the position for representing pick-up dipole Rk exported from receiving opening configuration part 1043 as input, meter Calculate the weight series for each pick-up dipole Rk and be output to addition operation division 1049.
Viii) addition operation division 1049
Addition operation division 1049 is will to export accordingly to assert what is with each pick-up dipole Rk from delay disposal portion 1047 Reception signal carries out add operation, generation is carried out for observation station Pij obtained from phase modulation add operation as input to them The circuit of sound ray signal.Or it can also be configured to and then be directed to each pick-up dipole Rk by what is exported from weight calculation unit 1048 Weight series as input, pair accordingly assert that the reception signal is multiplied by for each pick-up dipole Rk with each pick-up dipole Rk Weight and carry out add operation, generation for observation station Pij sound ray signal.By adjusting position in delay disposal portion 1047 In the reception signal detected by each pick-up dipole Rk in receiving opening Rx phase and added with addition operation division 1049 Method calculation process, the reception signal received by with each pick-up dipole Rk can be superimposed according to the back wave from observation station Pij To increase its signal S/N ratios, the reception signal from observation station Pij is extracted out.
Can be according to event and the processing associated with it be once sent, on all observation station Pij on object line-group Bx Generate sound ray signal.In addition, by with making transmission opening Tx be moved successively upwards in row with sending event synchronization and entering repeatedly Row ultrasonic wave is sent, and ultrasonic wave transmission is carried out from all oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101, so as to generate as one The frame sound ray signal of the sound ray signal gone out synthesized by frame.
In addition, the sound ray signal gone out synthesized by each observation station of configuration frame sound ray signal is referred to as " synthesis sound ray later Signal ".
By addition operation division 1049, with generating in all sights present on object line-group Bx with sending event synchronization The sound ray signal of measuring point Pij subframe.The sound ray signal output of the subframe generated to data saving part 107 and is preserved.
(5) combining unit 1140
Combining unit 1140 is the electricity according to the subframe sound ray signal synthetic frame sound ray signal with generating with sending event synchronization Road.Fig. 8 is the functional block diagram for the structure for representing combining unit 1140.As shown in figure 8, combining unit 1140 possesses add operation processing unit 11401st, enlargement processing section 11402.
Hereinafter, the structure for forming each several part of combining unit 1140 is illustrated.
I) add operation processing unit 11401
Generation knot of the add operation processing unit 11401 in a series of subframe sound ray signal for synthetic frame sound ray signal Shu Hou, read multiple subframe sound ray signals retained in data saving part 107.Then, by will believe in each subframe sound ray The position for the observation station Pij that the sound ray signal included in number is obtained is added multiple subframe sound ray signals as index, generation For each observation station synthesis sound ray signal come synthetic frame sound ray signal.Therefore, mutually it is added in multiple subframe sound ray signals and includes The sound ray signal of the observation station for same position generate synthetic sound line signal.
Fig. 9 is the schematic diagram for representing the processing synthesized to synthesis sound ray signal in add operation processing unit 11401. As described above, the oscillator with making with sending event synchronization to use in sending oscillator and arranging and (send opening Tx) arranges mistake upwards in oscillator An oscillator amount is opened to carry out ultrasonic wave transmission successively.Therefore, based on the object line-group Bx of different transmission events also for every Individual transmission event in the same direction staggers position one oscillator amount.Pass through the sound ray that will be included in each subframe sound ray signal The position for the observation station Pij that signal is obtained is added multiple subframe sound ray signals as index, and all object lines are enlisted the services of in synthesis Group Bx frame sound ray signal.
In addition, the more root object line-group Bxs different on spanning position and existing observation station Pij, are added each subframe sound ray The value of sound ray signal in signal, so synthesis sound ray signal is presented and the degree crossed over correspondingly big value.After, it will observe The number included in object line-group Bx different point Pij is referred to as " superposition number ", and the maximum that oscillator is arranged to upward superposition number claims For " maximum superposition number ".
In addition, in the present embodiment, object line-group Bx is present in the region of hourglass clock shape.Therefore, such as Figure 10 (a) shown in, it is superimposed number and maximum superposition number changes on the depth direction of subject, so the value of synthesis sound ray signal is also same Change in the depth direction sample.But it is, for example, 11 situation in the quantity of object line-group in the mode of the present embodiment Under, the result is that maximum superposition number is restricted to be up to 11.
In addition, the position for the observation station Pij for being obtained the sound ray signal included in each subframe sound ray signal as Index and when carrying out add operation, can also be weighted using observation station Pij position as index and carry out add operation.
By it is synthesized go out frame sound ray signal output to enlargement processing section 11402.
Ii) enlargement processing section 11402
As described above, the value of synthesis sound ray signal changes on the depth direction of subject.In order to be compensated to it, put In the synthesis for the synthesis sound ray signal that big processing unit 11402 includes in frame sound ray signal, multiply each synthesis sound ray signal With the enhanced processing of the magnifying power determined according to the number for carrying out add operation.
Figure 10 (b) is the schematic diagram for the summary for representing the enhanced processing in enlargement processing section 11402.As shown in Figure 10 (b), Maximum superposition number changes on the depth direction of subject, so being multiplied by what is determined according to maximum superposition number to synthesis sound ray signal The magnifying power changed on subject depth direction is to compensate the change.Thus, with the change phase for being superimposed number on depth direction The variation main cause of the synthesis sound ray signal of companion is eliminated, and the value of the synthesis sound ray signal after enhanced processing is in the depth direction Realize homogenization.
Put alternatively, it is also possible to synthesis sound ray signal is multiplied by according to what superposition number determined what oscillator row changed upwards The processing of big rate.In the case that superposition number changes upwards in oscillator row, eliminate its and change main cause, in oscillator row upwards Realize the homogenization of the value of the synthesis sound ray signal after enhanced processing.
In addition it is also possible to obtained from enhanced processing will be implemented to the synthesis sound ray signal for each observation station generated Signal is as frame sound ray signal.
<Action>
Illustrate the action of diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 being made up of above structure.
Figure 11 is the flow chart for representing to receive the beam forming processing action in beam-shaper portion 104.
First, in step S101, sending part 1031 carries out the transmission processing (transmission event) that supply sends signal, the hair Each oscillator that the number of delivering letters is used to make to include in opening Tx is sent in multiple oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101 is sent Ultrasound beamformer.
Next, in step s 102, acceptance division 1040 is according to the reception institute from the ultrasonic reflections ripple in detector 101 Obtained electric signal, generate reception signal and be output to data saving part 107, reception signal is preserved in data saving part 107. Determine whether that completing ultrasonic wave from all oscillator 101a in the presence of detector 101 sends (step S103).In addition, not In the case of completion, step S101 is returned to, transmission opening Tx is moved up amount corresponding with an oscillator in row and enters Row transmission event, enters step S201 in the case of completion.
Next, in step S210, object line-group configuration part 1042 with opening with sending event synchronization according to expression transmission The information setting object line-group Bx of mouth Tx position.Transmission of the setting in first transmission event is opened in being circulated in first time Object line-group Bx calculated by mouth Tx.
Next, enter observation station synchronized model beam forming processing (step S220 (S221~S228)).In step In S220, first, the minimum value (step coordinate ij for the position for representing observation station Pij being initialized as on object line-group Bx S221, S222), receiving opening configuration part 1043 selects receiving opening Rx oscillators row, to cause row center with spatially most connecing Close up measuring point Pij oscillator Xk matchings (step S223).
Next, on observation station Pij generation sound ray signals (step S224).
Here, the action on observation station Pij generation sound ray signals in explanation step S224.Figure 12 is to represent received wave The flow chart that the sound ray signal generation on observation station Pij in beam shaper portion 104 acts.Figure 13 is to be used to illustrate received wave The schematic diagram that the sound ray signal generation on observation station Pij in beam shaper portion 104 acts.
First, in step S2241, time calculating part 1044 is sent on arbitrarily being seen present on object line-group Bx Measuring point Pij, calculate the transmission time that transmitted ultrasonic wave reaches the observation station Pij in subject.(1) observation station Pij's Depth be it is more than depth of focus in the case of, can be by will be passed through geometrically determining the pick-up dipole Rk out of receiving opening Rx During by the length in transmission focus F arrival observation stations Pij path (401+402) divided by the velocity of sound cs of ultrasonic wave to calculate transmission Between, (2), can be by will geometrically determine out of receiving opening Rx in the case where observation station Pij is more shallow than depth of focus Pick-up dipole Rk reaches the path for sending focus F and the length of the difference (401-402) in the path of focus is reached from observation station Pij Divided by the velocity of sound cs of ultrasonic wave sends the time to calculate.
Next, the coordinate by the position of the pick-up dipole Rk in the expression receiving opening Rx obtained according to receiving opening Rx K is initialized as the minimum value (step S2242) in receiving opening Rx, calculates observation station of the transmitted ultrasonic wave in subject Reflected at Pij and reach the receiving opening Rx pick-up dipole Rk reception time (step S2243).Can be by will be in geometry When the length in the path 403 from observation station Pij to pick-up dipole Rk of upper decision divided by the velocity of sound cs of ultrasonic wave are to calculate reception Between.And then according to sending the time and receiving the summation of time, calculate until being observed from the ultrasonic wave sent transmitted by opening Tx Reflected and total propagation time (step S2244) untill reaching pick-up dipole Rk at point Pij, according to in receiving opening Rx The difference in each pick-up dipole Rk total propagation time, calculate the retardation (step S2245) for each pick-up dipole Rk.
To existing all pick-up dipole Rk in receiving opening Rx, determine whether to complete the calculating (step of retardation S2246), in the case where not completing, coordinate k is incremented by (step S2247), and then retardation is carried out on pick-up dipole Rk Calculate (step S2243), in the case of completion, enter step S2248.At this stage, in receiving opening Rx internal memories All pick-up dipole Rk, calculate the retardation from the arrival of observation station Pij back wave.
In step S2248, delay disposal portion 1047 receives according to corresponding with the pick-up dipole Rk in receiving opening Rx The row of signal, by with subtract be directed to each pick-up dipole Rk retardation obtained from time corresponding reception signal regard as being based on The reception signal of back wave from observation station Pij.
Next, weight calculation unit 1048 calculates the weight series for each pick-up dipole Rk, connect with to be directed to be located at Receive opening Rx row to the weight of oscillator at center be maximum (step S2249).1049 pairs of addition operation division shakes with each reception The reception signal of sub- Rk accordingly assert is multiplied by for each pick-up dipole Rk weight and carries out add operation, and generation is for seeing Measuring point Pij sound ray signal (step S2250), on the observation station Pij generated, by sound ray signal output to data saving part 107 and preserve (step S2251).
Next, returning to Figure 11, step S227 is repeated by making coordinate ij incrementally, on positioned at object line-group All observation station Pij (" " in Figure 13) of coordinate ij on Bx, generate sound ray signal.To present on object line-group Bx All observation station Pij, determine whether to complete the generation (step S225, S227) of sound ray signal, in the case where not completing, make seat Mark ij and be incremented by (step S226, S228), on observation station Pij, generate sound ray signal (step S224), in the case of completion, Enter step S230.At this stage, generate on associated all present on object line-group Bx with once transmission event The sound ray signal of observation station Pij subframe, it is output to data saving part 107 and preserves.
Next, to all transmission events, judge whether the generation of the sound ray signal of subframe terminates (step S230), not In the case of end, step S210 is returned to, the coordinate ij for the position for representing observation station Pij is initialized as according to ensuing The minimum value (step S221, S222) on object line-group Bx that transmission opening Tx in transmission event is obtained, sets receiving opening Rx (step S223), in the case of end, enter step S301.
Next, in step S301, add operation processing unit 11401 is read retained in data saving part 107 Multiple subframe sound ray signals, multiple subframe sound ray signals are added using observation station Pij position as index, generation is directed to each observation Point Pij synthesis sound ray signal carrys out synthetic frame sound ray signal.Next, enlargement processing section 11402 multiplies to each synthesis sound ray signal Magnifying power (the step determined with the add operation number according to each synthesis sound ray signal included in frame sound ray signal S302), by the frame sound ray signal output after amplification to ultrasonography generating unit 105 and the (step of data saving part 107 S303), end is handled.
<Receive the effect of beam forming>
Hereinafter, receive beam forming and as between three reception beam formings of comparative example in embodiment, relatively surpass The quality of audiograph picture, illustrate the effect of embodiment.
(1) beam forming is received
In embodiment, object line-group Bx is made up of more root object lines.In addition, the root object line in object line is in hair Send on opening central shaft Txo, there are two root object lines in the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave gabarit.In addition, adjacent two are right The angle as formed by line is entirely predetermined angle d.
In the comparative example 1 shown in Figure 14 (a), subject area Bx1 is arranged only by focus F and with the oscillator of detector The straight line that the direction of row is orthogonal is formed.That is, it is that the reception beam forming for synthesizing opening method is not used.In addition, in comparative example 1, The time can also be sent according only to the depth calculation of observation station.In addition, the observation on the subject area Bx1 shown in comparative example 1 In point, when the transmission time of embodiment is with using transmission obtained by the conventional art of the existing depth for being based only upon observation station Between it is completely the same, so not producing the influence caused by the difference of computational methods to resulting ultrasonography.In addition, observation station Quantity it is identical with the points of measurement on the root object line in embodiment, so the operand of phase modulation add operation compares embodiment It is more than 0.1 times and fewer than 0.4 times.
In the comparative example 2 shown in Figure 14 (b), subject area Bx2 includes focus F and the main irradiation area of ultrasonic wave Regions of the Ax compared to the narrower width on the direction (x directions) that the oscillator of detector is arranged.In addition, subject area Bx2 sight Site density is equal with the density of observation point of the direction along object line in object line-group Bx, is included in subject area Bx2 Observation station Pij observation station Pij of the quantity with being included in the object line-group Bx of embodiment quantity it is equal.In other words, it is right The ratio between angular range as region Bx2 angular range and the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave is equal in object line-group Bx and object The density of observation point of the orthogonal direction of line with along the ratio between density of observation point of direction of object line.The quantity of observation station and implementation Example is equal, so the operand of phase modulation add operation is also identical with embodiment.
In the comparative example 3 shown in Figure 14 (c), subject area Bx3 is the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave whole region.This Outside, in subject area Bx3 density of observation point and subject area Bx2 density of observation point and object line-group Bx along object The density of observation point of the direction of line is equal.That is, the quantity and subject area of object line-group Bx and subject area Bx2 observation station The angular range of angular range of the ratio of number of Bx3 observation station equal to subject area Bx2 and the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave The ratio between, and the density of observation point equal to direction in object line-group Bx and that object line is orthogonal and the direction along object line The ratio between density of observation point.In addition, the quantity increase for making observation station in embodiment is so that the sight of the direction orthogonal with object line Site density is identical with the density of observation point of the direction along object line, make with above-mentioned state consistency, so phase modulation addition transport The operand of calculation is embodiment about more than three times.
(2) quality of ultrasonography
Figure 15 is represented by the reception beam forming of embodiment and comparative example 1~3 to same virtual subject Ultrasonography (B-mode faultage image) obtained from (phantom, body mould) is imaged.Figure 15 (c) is corresponding with embodiment, Figure 15 (a), (b), (d) are corresponding with comparative example 1~3 respectively.In addition, the direct of travel of ultrasound beamformer is figure from upper directed downwardly Direction.
As shown in Figure 15 (a), in comparative example 1, further away from depth of focus (for the depth of the bright spot of circle), to turn into circle Bright spot is more oozed out on the direction that oscillator is arranged, also, depth is bigger, and noise is more, and image is more unintelligible.This is considered as Further away from focus F, misalignment is got in the focusing of ultrasound beamformer, and the amplitude for sending ultrasonic wave is lowered so that the disorderly of phase becomes big.
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15 (d), in comparative example 3, although most at deep as dimmed, circular bright spot Hardly ooze out, as being apparent from whole region.This is considered as due to the frame sound to being obtained by multiple transmission events The imaginary beam forming that line signal is synthesized, sound ray signal is strengthened mutually and noise component(s) is cancelled out each other, point of sound ray signal Resolution and S/N are than improving.
In addition, in comparative example 2 and embodiment, following result is obtained.The ultrasonogram of comparative example 2 seems Figure 15 (b), The ultrasonogram of embodiment seems Figure 15 (c).As shown in Figure 15 (c), although the noise in deep is more than comparative example in embodiment 3, but circular bright spot obtains clear picture almost without oozing out in whole region.In contrast, as shown in Figure 15 (b), than Although the noise compared with depth in example 2 is weaker than comparative example 1, further away from depth of focus, to turn into what circular bright spot was arranged in oscillator More oozed out on direction, depth becomes bigger, and noise is more, and image is more unintelligible.That is, although the quantity of observation station is identical and phase modulation The operand of add operation is identical, but compared to comparative example 3, significant deterioration is presented in comparative example 2, in contrast, in reality Apply and significant deterioration is not presented in example.
(3) investigation of result
Although embodiment and comparative example 2 all reduce same amount of operand, the product of sound ray signal compared with comparative example 3 Matter produce significantly gap the reasons why be generally acknowledged that it is as follows.Figure 16 is to represent the frame sound after the synthesis in embodiment and each comparative example The schematic diagram of the object line used in each transmission event for an observation station Pij in line.
In comparative example 1, as shown in Figure 16 (a), for an observation station Pij, it is used only in using straight line S12 as object Acquired sound ray signal carrys out delta frame sound ray signal in the transmission event of line.Now, make by other straight line S11 or S13 It is subframe sound ray signal acquired in the transmission event of object line due to that can not be used not comprising observation station Pij.Therefore, frame Sound ray signal is only to arrange the subframe sound ray signal that space coordinates does not repeat mutually on the direction that oscillator is arranged, and not Synthesized the imaginary beam forming of acquired frame sound ray signal in multiple transmission events.Therefore, frame sound ray signal away from High Resolution, S/N are than the range resolution ratio with subframe sound ray signal, S/N than identical, and further away from depth of focus, ultrasound beamformer gathers The quality deterioration that burnt misalignment, signal intensity reduce caused sound ray signal becomes more notable.
On the other hand, in comparative example 3, as shown in Figure 16 (c), for an observation station Pij, using by straight line S31 Taken as sound ray signal acquired in the transmission event of object line, in using straight line S32 as the transmission event of object line Sound ray signal ..., in using straight line S3n as the transmission event of object line acquired by sound ray signal and ultrasonic wave ripple The different multiple sound ray signals of the direct of travel of beam, carry out delta frame sound ray signal.Thus, synthesis surpasses for direct of travel is different The sound ray signal of acoustic wave beam, the spatial resolution of frame sound ray signal, S/N ratios improve.
Here, the superposition number of the observation station Pij in comparative example 2 and embodiment is set to 5.Now, in comparative example 2 and implementation In example, the frame sound ray signal related to observation station Pij is all that acquired subframe sound ray signal in five transmission events is entered Row synthesis.But the direct of travel of each ultrasound beamformer in five transmission events in comparative example 2 and embodiment not Together.In comparative example 2, as shown in Figure 16 (b), for observation station Pij, using in the transmission thing using straight line S21 as object line Acquired sound ray signal in part, the sound ray signal acquired by using straight line S22 as the transmission event of object line ..., Using straight line S25 as sound ray signal acquired in the transmission event of object line.In contrast, in embodiment, such as Figure 16 (d) It is shown, using using sound ray signal acquired in transmission events of the straight line S41 as object line, using straight line S4p as pair As acquired sound ray signal, sound acquired in using straight line S4m as the transmission event of object line in the transmission event of line Line signal, sound ray signal acquired in using straight line S4q as the transmission event of object line, using straight line S4n as object Acquired sound ray signal in the transmission event of line.In comparative example 2, straight line S21~S25 exists to high-density, so straight line Angle formed by S21 and S25 is less than angle formed by the S31 and S3n of comparative example 3, in contrast, in embodiment, straight line S41 and Angle formed by S4n is equal to angle formed by the S31 and S3n of comparative example 3.As acquired in multiple transmission events by synthesizing The imaginary beam forming of frame sound ray signal improves the reasons why spatial resolution of sound ray signal, S/N ratios, it is believed that has following two： (1) range resolution ratio and azimuth resolution depend on the direct of travel of ultrasound beamformer, so by synthesizing in direct of travel not Sound ray signal obtained by same ultrasound beamformer, by being supplemented and spatial resolution and S/N than improving；(2) by Different from focus F and receiving opening position relationship in observation station, the pattern of the noise caused by influence around observation station is not Together, noise is offset and S/N than improving by synthesizing.Therefore, in order to improve the effect of (1) and (2), preferably make in synthesis The differential seat angle of the object line for the transmission event that sound ray signal is obtained is big.It is therefore contemplated that comparative example 2 is compared to implementation Example, comparative example 3, the narrow range of the direct of travel of (1) ultrasound beamformer, based on synthesis in the different ultrasound beamformer of direct of travel In obtained by sound ray signal supplement effect it is small；(2) due to observation station and focus F and the position relationship of receiving opening Change is also insufficient, so which no matter the virtual image (artifact) of the direction orthogonal with the direct of travel of ultrasound beamformer sending thing with Part all produces on similar direction and remains the virtual image in the direction arranged by oscillator.In contrast, it is considered that embodiment phase Than in comparative example 3, (1) reaches identical degree although the scope for the direct of travel that superposition number reduces ultrasound beamformer is wide, fully Ground obtains the effect of the supplement based on synthesis sound ray signal resulting in the different ultrasound beamformer of direct of travel；(2) see The width of the change of measuring point and focus F and the position relationship of receiving opening is wide to reach identical degree, so S/N is than improving.That is, The effect for synthesizing the imaginary beam forming of acquired frame sound ray signal in multiple transmission events is generally acknowledged that caused by superposition number Influence it is small, significantly closed by the scope of direct of travel, observation station and the position of focus F and receiving opening of ultrasound beamformer The influence of the excursion of system.
According to the reasons why the above, it is believed that although operand is significantly cut down compared with comparative example 3 in embodiment, hold back Stopped sound ray signal resolution ratio and S/N than deterioration.
In addition, this embodiment operand be set to comparative example 3 operand about less than 1/3, but present embodiment The quantity and operand of observation station be preferably set to compared with comparative example 3 20% or so or its below.Thereby, it is possible to by computing Amount cuts down about 80%, can be achieved at low cost diagnostic ultrasound equipment by the not high processor of operational capability or can Distribute processor operational capability with expanding Vitrea eye domain, improve frame rate.
<Summarize>
It is as described above, according to the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 of present embodiment, by synthesizing opening method, it is added to logical Cross the sound ray signal on the observation station P in same position of different transmission event generations and synthesize.Thus, for multiple Transmission event, even at the observation station P for sending the depth beyond focus F, also virtually it is transmitted focusing Effect, it is possible to increase spatial resolution and signal S/N ratios.
In addition, in diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100, the subject area that will generate subframe sound ray signal is set as by passing through Focus F or more root object lines near it are formed.Thus, the domain of the existence itself of observation station will not be reduced and will not be reduced The density of the depth direction of observation station, and the quantity of observation station can be cut down.Therefore, it is possible to significantly cut down phase modulation add operation Operand, in contrast, be able to maintain that the spatial resolution of depth direction, signal S/N than raising effect.And then in oscillator On the direction arranged, spatial resolution, signal S/N ratios are not also greatly reduced.The reason for this is that the region present in observation station is not Narrow, so the scope that the direction in each path of the ultrasonic wave between each oscillator and observation station can use does not narrow, by same One observation station synthesizes different subframe sound ray signal, can obtain spatial resolution, signal S/N than raising effect.Therefore, phase Than that in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment using existing synthesis opening method, the quality deterioration of sound ray signal can be checked and significantly cut Subtract operand, be advantageous to cut down the cost of processor.
In addition, in diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100, receiving opening configuration part 1043 selects receiving opening Rx oscillators row, with So that row center with spatially being matched closest to observation station P oscillator, independent of transmission event and according to observation station P position Put, use centered on observation station P and symmetrical receiving opening, carry out reception beam forming.Therefore, not with making transmission focus F Change the transmission event synchronization of (movement) in X direction, the position of receiving opening is fixed, even in different transmissions In event, it can also be directed to same observation station P and carry out phase modulation add operation in same receiving opening.Together, can to from Observation station P back wave application is from observation station P apart from smaller oscillator then bigger weight series, so even if in view of super Sound wave is decayed dependent on propagation distance, also can most receive back wave well for observation station P sensitivity.As a result, energy It is enough partly to realize high spatial resolution and signal S/N ratios.
《Variation 1》
In the diagnostic ultrasound equipment 100 of embodiment 1, receiving opening configuration part 1043 is configured to select receiving opening Rx, to cause row center with spatially being matched closest to observation station P oscillator.As long as however, receiving opening Rx structure structure As by calculating the observation station until from the ultrasonic wave sent transmitted by opening Tx via transmission focus F on object line-group Bx Total propagation time untill the pick-up dipole Rk for being reflected at Pij and reaching receiving opening Rx simultaneously carries out prolonging based on total propagation path Control late, so as to generate the sound ray signal on all observation station Pij on object line-group Bx, can suitably change and connect Receive opening Rx structure.
The receiving opening Rx oscillators that variation 1 matches at the row center for possessing alternative column center with transmission opening Tx oscillators arrange Transmission synchronized model receiving opening configuration part (hereinafter referred to as " Tx receiving openings configuration part ") of row this point, it is different from embodiment 1. It is identical with each key element described in embodiment 1 on the structure in addition to Tx receiving openings configuration part, omit the description identical Part.
Figure 17 is represented by the receiving opening Rx of Tx receiving openings configuration part setting and showing for transmission opening Tx relation It is intended to.In variation 1, receiving opening Rx oscillators row are selected, are opened with the row center for causing receiving opening Rx oscillators to arrange with transmission The row center matching of mouth Tx oscillator row.Central shaft Txo of the receiving opening Rx central shaft Rxo position with sending opening Tx position Put identical, receiving opening Rx is symmetrically open centered on sending focus F.Therefore, for each transmission event, with arranging The transmission opening Tx moved up change in location synchronously, also move by receiving opening Rx position.
In addition, the weight series (reception apodization) of each pick-up dipole Rk for receiving opening Rx is calculated, to be directed to The weight of oscillator on receiving opening Rx central shaft Rxo and transmission opening Tx central shaft Txo is maximum.Weight level Number is centered on oscillator Xk and in symmetrical distribution.The shape of the distribution of weight series can use Hamming window, Hanning window, rectangle Window etc., the shape of distribution are not particularly limited.
<Action>
Figure 18 is the beam forming processing for the receiving beam-shaper portion action for the diagnostic ultrasound equipment for representing variation 1 Flow chart.This flow chart is being transmitted synchronized model beam forming processing (step S420 (S421~S428)) with instead of Figure 11 In observation station synchronized model beam forming processing (step S220 (S221~S228)) this point it is different.On except step S420 with Outer processing, it is identical with Figure 11, omit the description identical part.
In step S420 processing, first, in step S421, Tx receiving openings configuration part is with sending event accordingly The oscillator column selection that row center matches with the row center for sending the oscillator row included in Tx that are open is selected as pick-up dipole Rk, set Receiving opening Rx.
Next, the seat by the position for representing the observation station Pij on object line-group Bx calculated in step S210 Mark ij is initialized as the minimum value (step S422, S423) on object line-group Bx, on observation station Pij, generation sound ray signal (step Rapid S424).Figure 19 is for illustrating that the sound ray signal on observation station Pij received in beam-shaper portion of variation 1 is given birth to Into the schematic diagram of action.Figure 13 relevant compared to embodiment 1, send opening Tx and receiving opening Rx position relationship not Together.On the processing method in step S424, with the step S224 (step S2241~step S2251 in Figure 12) in Figure 11 It is identical.
By making coordinate ij be incremented by step S424 is repeated, on all of the coordinate ij on object line-group Bx Observation station Pij (" " in Figure 19), generate sound ray signal.To in all observation station Pij present on object line-group Bx, judgement Whether the generation of sound ray signal completes (step S425, S427), in the case where not completing, coordinate ij is incremented by (step S426, S428), on observation station Pij generation sound ray signals (step S424), in the case of completion, step S230 is entered.At this Stage, generation are believed with once sending the associated sound ray in all observation station Pij subframe present on object line-group Bx of event Number, it is output to data saving part 107 and preserves.
<Effect>
In the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of variation 1 described above, except in the effect shown in embodiment 1 In addition to the effect of the part relevant with the receiving opening of observation station synchronized model, following effect is also acted as.That is, in variation In 1, Tx receiving openings configuration part is with transmission event accordingly by row center with sending the row for the oscillator row included in Tx that are open The oscillator column selection of center matching is selected as pick-up dipole, setting receiving opening Rx.Therefore, receiving opening Rx central shaft Rxo position It is identical to put the position of the central shaft Txo with sending opening Tx, for each transmission event, with the transmission opening moved up in row Synchronously, receiving opening Rx position also changes (movement) Tx change in location.Therefore, it is possible to dividing with sending event synchronization Not different receiving openings carries out phase modulation add operation, although the time of reception is different in multiple transmission events, as a result The effect of the reception processing using broader receiving opening is obtained, in the observation area of broadness spatial resolution can be made to become equal It is even.
《Other variations of embodiment》
(1) it is angularly to be configured with seven root object lines exemplified with object line-group Bx in embodiment and variation Situation, but the quantity of object line-group Bx object line is more than three.The quantity of Figure 20 (a) instantiation object lines is nine Situation.In addition, the position relationship of object line be not limited to adjoining two root object lines formed by angle be fixed situation, for example, The interval that the observation station under identical depth in object line can also be made is at equal intervals.Figure 20 (b) represents right by 11 As the object line-group Bx for the situation that line is formed.Here, straight line L is the straight line parallel with the direction that oscillator is arranged, straight line L and each Interval d1~d10 of the intersection point of object line is fixed.
In addition, object line-group Bx is not limited to above-mentioned example, if it is made up of more root object lines by sending focus F, and And on two adjacent root object lines and in two observations away from distance equal focus F or in identical depth The distance between point is more than the distance between two adjacent observation stations on same target line, then can be arbitrary shape Shape.In addition, the quantity of object line is preferably more than three.But as described above, the direction of object line preferably mutually it is similar, It is impartial on the direction arranged it is advantageous to angle or oscillator.In addition, the maximum at angle is preferably big formed by two root object lines, It is preferred that two root object lines are consistent with the main irradiation area Ax of ultrasonic wave profile.And then preferably a root object line is opened in transmission On mouth central shaft Txo.The reason for this is that signal intensity highest sound ray signal can be obtained.
(2) although in addition, illustrate the present invention according to above-mentioned embodiment, the invention is not restricted to above-mentioned embodiment, The present invention also includes situations below.
For example, the present invention can also be the computer system for possessing microprocessor and memory, above-mentioned memory storage There is above computer program, above-mentioned microprocessor acts according to above computer program.For example, it is also possible to it is that there is this hair The computer program of bright ultrasonic signal processing method and acted according to the program (or each position to being connected instruction Action) computer system.
In addition, formed with the computer system including recording medium, the hard disk unit such as microprocessor, ROM, RAM etc. The all or part of situation for stating all or part of or ultrasonic signal processing unit of diagnostic ultrasound equipment is also wrapped It is contained in the present invention.In above-mentioned RAM or hard disk unit, the computer journey for reaching the action same with above-mentioned each device is stored with Sequence.Acted by above-mentioned microprocessor according to above computer program, each device reaches its function.
In addition, some or all of inscape for forming above-mentioned each device can also be by a system LSI (Large Scale Integration (large scale integrated circuit)) is formed.System LSI is that Integrated manufacture is more on a single die The super multi-functional LSI of individual structural portion, specifically it is configured to the computer system for including microprocessor, ROM, RAM etc..It Both can individually single chip, can also single chip be include it is some or all.In addition, the difference according to integrated level Different, LSI is also sometimes referred to as IC, system LSI, super LSI, super LSI.In above-mentioned RAM, it is stored with and reaches and above-mentioned each device The computer program of same action.Acted by above-mentioned microprocessor according to above computer program, system LSI is reached Its function.For example, the beam-forming method of the present invention to be saved as to LSI program, the LSI is inserted into computer, implemented The situation of predetermined program (beam-forming method) is also contained in the present invention.
In addition, the gimmick of integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, can also be realized with special circuit or general processor. Programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array, field-programmable gate array after LSI is manufactured can be utilized Row), connection that circuit unit inside LSI can be reconstructed, the reconfigurable processor (Reconfigurable of setting Processor, reconfigurable processor).
And then if LSI integrated electricity is replaced due to the progress of semiconductor technology or by other technologies of derivation The technology on road occurs, then can certainly carry out the integrated of functional block using the technology.
Alternatively, it is also possible to realize the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of each embodiment by the processor such as CPU configuration processor Function it is some or all.Can also be that record has diagnostic method, the beam forming for implementing above-mentioned diagnostic ultrasound equipment The non-provisional computer-readable recording medium of the program of method.Can also be by the way that program, signal record be situated between to record Matter and transfer, using independent other computer system implementation procedures, said procedure can pass via internet etc. certainly in addition Send flow of media.
In the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of above-mentioned embodiment, it is configured to include the data saving part as storage device In in diagnostic ultrasound equipment, but storage device not limited to this, semiconductor memory, hard disk drive, light can also be configured to Disk drive, magnetic memory apparatus etc. are coupled externally to diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
In addition, the segmentation of the functional block in block diagram is an example, multiple functional blocks can also be embodied as One function Block, One function block is divided into multiple or the function of a part is moved to other functional blocks.Alternatively, it is also possible to single Hardware either software parallel or time division multiplexing ground processing with similar functions multiple functional blocks function.
In addition, perform above-mentioned steps order be in order to specifically describe the present invention and illustration or except Order other than the above.Alternatively, it is also possible to other steps simultaneously it is (parallel) perform above-mentioned steps a part.
In addition, it is configured to detector and display part is coupled externally to diagnostic ultrasound equipment, but they can also structure It is arranged in diagnostic ultrasound equipment with being integrally formed.
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, detector is presented on the detection that multiple piezoelectric elements are arranged with one-dimensional square Device structure.However, the structure not limited to this of detector, for example, it is also possible to be become using multiple piezoelectricity are arranged with the two-dimensional direction The multiple oscillators for change the two-dimensional arrangements oscillator of element, making to arrange in one-dimensional square are mechanically rocked to obtain the tomography of three-dimensional The rolling ejector half detector of image, it can suitably be used respectively according to measure.For example, using the detector two-dimensionally arranged In the case of, by making to provide the timing of voltage to piezoelectric conversion element, the value of voltage changes respectively, can control transmitted super The irradiation position of acoustic wave beam, direction.
In addition, detector can also detector include transmission and reception unit a part function.For example, according to from hair The control signal for being used to generate transmission electric signal for sending acceptance division to be exported generates in detector sends electric signal, and this is sent Converting electrical signal is ultrasonic wave.Together, it can use received reflectance ultrasound wave conversion to receive electric signal, visit Survey in device according to the structure for receiving electric signal generation reception signal.
Alternatively, it is also possible to combine at least one in the function of the diagnostic ultrasound equipment of each embodiment and its variation Part.And then the numeral used in above-mentioned is entirely to be illustrated to specifically describe the present invention, the invention is not restricted to Illustrated numeral.
And then various changes obtained from for present embodiment implementing change in the range of those skilled in the art expect Shape example is also contained in the present invention.
《Summarize》
(1) the ultrasonic signal processing unit of embodiment will be using possessing the ultrasonic detectors of multiple oscillators to tested Body sends the transmission event of the ultrasound beamformer of convergence type repeatedly, and is received with each transmission event synchronization from subject Reflectance ultrasound ripple, the multiple sound ray signals generated according to the reflectance ultrasound ripple received are synthesized into synthesis sound ray Signal, the ultrasonic signal processing unit are characterised by possessing ultrasonic signal process circuit, the ultrasonic signal processing Circuit possesses：Sending part, the focus for the position that ultrasound beamformer assembled is provided for each transmission event modification, while makes institute State ultrasonic detector and ultrasound beamformer is sent into subject for each transmission event；Acceptance division, it is same with each transmission event Step ground, the reflectance ultrasound ripple received according to the ultrasonic detector from the subject, generation are visited for the ultrasonic wave Survey the reception signal row of each oscillator of device；Phase modulation addition operation division, for each transmission event, on being present in by leading to The multiple observation stations crossed on the object line-group that more root object lines of the focus are formed, to based on from anti-obtained by each observation station The reception signal row for penetrating ultrasonic wave carry out phase modulation add operation to generate subframe sound ray signal；And combining unit, according to institute The multiple subframe sound ray signal that phase modulation addition operation division is generated is stated, the frame sound ray signal is synthesized, in the object line Each object line included in group is straight line, is more than preset distance on the distance on a root object line and from the focus An observation station, an observation station and the distance of immediate observation station being present on the root object line be less than with It is present in the distance with the immediate observation station in the object line of root object line adjoining.
In addition, in the ultrasonic signal processing method of embodiment, the ultrasonic listening for possessing multiple oscillators will be used Device sends the transmission event of the ultrasound beamformer of convergence type to subject repeatedly, and with each transmission event synchronization from quilt A corpse or other object for laboratory examination and chemical testing receives reflectance ultrasound ripple, and the multiple sound ray signals generated according to the reflectance ultrasound ripple received are synthesized into Sound ray signal is synthesized, the ultrasonic signal processing method is characterised by, for each transmission event modification regulation ultrasonic wave ripple The focus for the position that beam is assembled, while the ultrasonic detector is sent ultrasound into subject for each transmission event Ripple wave beam, with each transmission event synchronization, the reflectance ultrasound ripple received according to the ultrasonic detector from the subject, Generation arranges for the reception signal of each oscillator of the ultrasonic detector, for each transmission event, on existing Multiple observation stations on the object line-group being made up of more root object lines by the focus, to based on from obtained by each observation station To the reception signal row of reflectance ultrasound ripple carry out phase modulation add operation and generate subframe sound ray signal, according to the phase modulation The multiple subframe sound ray signal that addition operation division is generated, synthesizes the frame sound ray signal, wherein, in the object line-group In each object line for including be straight line, be more than preset distance on the distance on a root object line and from the focus One observation station, the distance of immediate observation station of the observation station with being present on the root object line are less than with depositing It is the distance with the immediate observation station in the object line of root object line adjoining.
According to said structure or method, can check frame sound ray signal spatial resolution and S/N than reducing and The quantity of observation station is cut down, the operand of phase modulation add operation can be cut down.
(2) in addition, the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (1) can also the object line-group include and the ultrasonic wave The orthogonal object line in direction that the oscillator of detector is arranged.
By said structure, object line-group includes that the object line of the maximum sound ray signal of signal intensity can be obtained, so The S/N ratios of frame sound ray signal can be improved.
(3) in addition, the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (1) or (2) can also the sending part from spread configuration The transmission oscillator for sending the ultrasound beamformer is selected to arrange in multiple oscillators of the ultrasonic detector, the object line Group is made up of the object line of the one end arranged by the transmission oscillator and the object line of the other end arranged by the transmission oscillator.
By said structure, the broad degree of the object line-group on the direction that oscillator is arranged can be increased.
(4) in addition, the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (3) can also the object line all by it is described transmission shake Son row.
By said structure, can increase to greatest extent in the disorderly scope for do not produce the phase of ultrasound beamformer The broad degree of object line-group on the direction that oscillator is arranged.
(5) in addition, the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (1)~(4) can also be under same depth multiple observation stations The direction that the oscillator of relatively described ultrasonic detector is arranged equally spaced arranges.
By said structure, the density of observation station can be made become uniform on the direction that oscillator is arranged, it is possible to increase By synthesize opening method obtain frame sound ray signal spatial resolution and S/N than raising effect.
(6) in addition, what the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (1)~(4) can also include in the object line-group Angle formed by two adjacent object lines is fixed.
By said structure, it can become on the circular arc of the concentric circles centered on focal zone the density of observation station Uniformly, it is possible to increase by synthesize opening method obtain frame sound ray signal spatial resolution and S/N than raising effect.
(7) in addition, the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (1)~(6) can also reach on transmitted ultrasonic wave The transmission time of each observation station, the phase modulation addition operation division are the ultrasonic waves in the subject in the depth of the observation station In the case of more than the depth of focus assembled, transmitted ultrasonic wave is arranged to reaching the first of the focus from the transmission oscillator Time and the summation of the second time of the observation station is reached from the datum mark it is calculated as sending the time, in the observation station In the case that depth is less than the depth of focus that ultrasonic wave is assembled in the subject, described second will be subtracted from the very first time Result obtained from time is calculated as sending the time.
By said structure, the position of sound ray signal, energy can be accurately assert in the synthesis of subframe sound ray signal Enough spatial resolutions for improving the frame sound ray signal obtained by synthesizing opening method and S/N than raising effect.
(8) in addition, what the ultrasonic signal processing unit of above-mentioned (1)~(7) can also include in the object line-group The quantity of object line is more than three.
By said structure, the spatial resolution and S/N ratios that can check frame sound ray signal reduce and cut down computing Amount.
Industrial applicability
Ultrasonic signal processing unit, diagnostic ultrasound equipment, ultrasonic signal processing method, journey involved by the disclosure Sequence and computer-readable non-provisional recording medium improve to the performance of existing diagnostic ultrasound equipment, are particularly logical Cost cutting, the frame rate raising of computational load mitigation realization for crossing arithmetic unit are useful.In addition, the disclosure can not only be applied In ultrasonic wave, additionally it is possible to applied to purposes such as the sensors using multiple array elements.

Claims (10)

1. a kind of ultrasonic signal processing unit, assembled being sent using the ultrasonic detector for possessing multiple oscillators to subject The transmission event of the ultrasound beamformer of type repeatedly, and receives reflectance ultrasound with each transmission event synchronization from subject Ripple, the multiple sound ray signals generated according to the reflectance ultrasound ripple received are synthesized into synthesis sound ray signal, should Ultrasonic signal processing unit is characterised by,
Possesses ultrasonic signal process circuit, the ultrasonic signal process circuit possesses：
Sending part, the focus for the position that ultrasound beamformer assembled is provided for each transmission event modification, while is made described super Acoustic detector sends ultrasound beamformer into subject for each transmission event；
Acceptance division, with each transmission event synchronization, the reflection received according to the ultrasonic detector from the subject surpasses Sound wave, reception signal row of the generation for each oscillator of the ultrasonic detector；
Phase modulation addition operation division, for each transmission event, on being present in by more root object lines by the focus Multiple observation stations on the object line-group of composition, the reception signal based on the reflectance ultrasound ripple obtained from each observation station is arranged Phase modulation add operation is carried out to generate subframe sound ray signal；And
Combining unit, the multiple subframe sound ray signal generated according to the phase modulation addition operation division, synthesizes the frame sound ray Signal,
Each object line included in the object line-group is straight line, on a root object line and from the focus away from From being a more than preset distance observation station, an observation station and the immediate sight being present on the root object line The distance of measuring point is less than with being present in the distance with the immediate observation station in the object line of root object line adjoining.
2. ultrasonic signal processing unit according to claim 1, it is characterised in that
The object line-group is made up of the object line orthogonal with the direction of the oscillator of ultrasonic detector arrangement.
3. the ultrasonic signal processing unit according to claims 1 or 2, it is characterised in that
The sending part selects to be used to send the ultrasonic wave ripple from spread configuration in multiple oscillators of the ultrasonic detector The transmission oscillator row of beam,
The object line-group includes the object line of the one end arranged by the transmission oscillator and by the another of the transmission oscillator row The object line of one end.
4. ultrasonic signal processing unit according to claim 3, it is characterised in that
The object line is all arranged by the transmission oscillator.
5. the ultrasonic signal processing unit described in any one in Claims 1-4, it is characterised in that
The direction of the oscillator arrangement of the relatively described ultrasonic detector of multiple observation stations under same depth equally spaced arranges.
6. the ultrasonic signal processing unit described in any one in Claims 1-4, it is characterised in that
Angle formed by the two adjacent object lines included in the object line-group is fixed.
7. the ultrasonic signal processing unit described in any one in claim 1 to 6, it is characterised in that
The transmission time of each observation station is reached on transmitted ultrasonic wave, the phase modulation addition operation division is in the observation station Depth be it is more than ultrasonic wave is assembled in the subject depth of focus in the case of, by transmitted ultrasonic wave from the transmission Oscillator row reach the summation meter of the second time of the observation station to the very first time for reaching the focus and from the datum mark Calculate to send the time, in the case where the depth of the observation station is less than the depth of focus that ultrasonic wave is assembled in the subject, Result obtained from second time being subtracted from the very first time is calculated as sending the time.
8. the ultrasonic signal processing unit described in any one in claim 1 to 7, it is characterised in that
The quantity of the object line included in the object line-group is more than three.
9. a kind of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, it is characterised in that possess：
Ultrasonic detector；And
Any one ultrasonic signal processing unit described in claim 1 to 7.
10. a kind of ultrasonic signal processing method, meeting will be sent to subject using the ultrasonic detector for possessing multiple oscillators The transmission event of the ultrasound beamformer of poly- type repeatedly, and receives reflectance ultrasound with each transmission event synchronization from subject Ripple, the multiple sound ray signals generated according to the reflectance ultrasound ripple received are synthesized into synthesis sound ray signal, should Ultrasonic signal processing method is characterised by,
The focus for the position that ultrasound beamformer assembled is provided for each transmission event modification, while makes the ultrasonic listening Device sends ultrasound beamformer into subject for each transmission event,
With each transmission event synchronization, the reflectance ultrasound ripple received according to the ultrasonic detector from the subject is raw Reception signal into each oscillator for the ultrasonic detector arranges,
For each transmission event, on being present on the object line-group being made up of more root object lines by the focus Multiple observation stations, to based on carrying out phase modulation addition fortune from the reception signal of the reflectance ultrasound ripple obtained by each observation station row Calculate to generate subframe sound ray signal,
The multiple subframe sound ray signal generated according to the phase modulation addition operation division, synthesizes the frame sound ray signal,
Wherein, each object line included in the object line-group is straight line, on a root object line and from the focus The distance risen is a more than preset distance observation station, and an observation station is with being present in most connecing on the root object line The distance of near observation station is less than with being present in and the immediate observation station in the object line of root object line adjoining Distance.
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